When it comes to furniture choices, South Africans often debate between fabric and leather. While both have their place in home and commercial spaces, genuine leather stands out as a top-tier option — and with good reason. But with that reputation comes a higher price tag. Ever wondered why leather furniture in Johannesburg or Cape Town seems so much more expensive than fabric alternatives?
Let’s break down the real reasons behind the cost and why leather in South Africa is considered a high-end choice in furniture design.
1. Leather is Bought as a Whole — Not in Pieces
Unlike fabric, which is sold and measured per running metre, leather is sold per square metre, and more importantly, as a full bull hide. This means:
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You can’t just buy a small section to upholster one part.
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Each hide generally ranges from 4m² to 5.5m².
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Even if your project needs less, you’re still buying the full hide.
This alone increases the base cost — whether you’re covering a single dining chair or an entire three-seater couch.
2. Durability That Outlasts Fabric
Leather isn’t just a trend — it’s a long-term wise decision. Genuine leather is:
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Resistant to wear and tear
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Easy to clean
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Able to handle high-traffic use
This makes it ideal for restaurants, hotels, and other commercial spaces in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, where furniture must handle daily use without breaking down quickly.
Fabric, on the other hand, may require more frequent cleaning, maintenance, and replacement over time.
3. Leather vs Fabric: Pricing Explained
Here’s a simple breakdown of how leather and fabric are priced:
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Fabric: Priced per running metre (pm)
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Leather: Priced per square metre, based on full hides
This difference in pricing models creates a significant gap. While fabric can be measured and bought in smaller, precise quantities, leather requires a full-hide purchase, even if your project doesn’t need that much material.
4. Sourcing Leather in South Africa Isn’t Always Easy
Another challenge is sourcing quality leather locally. While South Africa has a strong livestock industry, leather for furniture must be processed to a specific standard — often requiring imported hides or refined local stock.
Transport, processing, and quality grading all affect price. By the time the leather reaches the upholsterer, the cost has already climbed.
5. Why Hometri Chooses Genuine Leather
At Hometri, we offer furniture in genuine leather because it performs better, looks timeless, and holds up well — especially in commercial settings. Yes, the price is higher compared to fabric options, but the value it brings in longevity, feel, and strength makes it worth the cost.
We always ensure our clients understand the difference in material pricing so they can make informed choices that suit their space and their expectations.
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Genuine leather furniture isn’t just priced higher because of appearance — the cost reflects the real material structure, limited flexibility in purchasing, durability, and labour intensity. In South Africa, with rising demand in urban areas like Johannesburg and Cape Town, leather remains a high-end choice for both residential and commercial furniture.
At Hometri, we’re proud to offer this level of quality to our clients — while helping them understand what makes leather a lasting, worthwhile decision.
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